Look! Philadelphia Rowhouse Manual

What a great resource. This comprehensive manual really breaks down the different styles of typical Philadelphia rowhouses and provides renovation guidance for homeowners...

The Philadelphia Rowhouse Manual was put out by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission last year. We wish there was one of these for DC – we’ve certainly got our share of rowhouses!

Although it was created for Philadelphians, much of the information provided is universal. The purpose of the manual is to educate owners on how this housing type can be adapted to modern living without compromising its basic form and architecture. It provides examples on how to incorporate various elements to update rowhouses for 21st century living.

With beautiful photographs and easy to understand diagrams, if you are even thinking about renovating a Rowhouse this is a must read.

Comments (8)

I'll have to look into this I just bought a row house 4 months ago and we need beaucoup work done.

posted by djheathermarie on November 26th 2008 at 5:35pm
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Please, someone make one of these for Chicago Bungalows. Thanks!!!

posted by B! on November 26th 2008 at 5:47pm
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sounds like a great resource for anyone with a rowhouse! would love to read it even tho i just sold my rowhouse.

posted by sassydo on November 26th 2008 at 6:41pm
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What a great resource!

posted by suzy8track on November 26th 2008 at 11:35pm
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B! Have you seen this link...it has a short guide that you can download.

http://www.chicagobungalow.org/

posted by HeidiS on November 28th 2008 at 2:47pm
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Thanks, Heidi. That site is a great resource. I would just like everything in one place- ideas for taking the 'new' out (we have a really ugly 'updated' bathroom!) and restoring the interior to what it was, what is between the plaster on the inside and the brick on the outside (?), and general guidelines on all the Chicago Bungalow works/systems. There are a few books that address different parts (and a couple of academic works that analyze the creation of the Bungalow Belt) but there is not one definitive book that explores the nooks/crannies, nuts/bolts, and challenges of being a Chicago Bungalow owner.

posted by B! on November 28th 2008 at 5:09pm
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LOVE THIS! i absolutely need to get a hold of this manual. Why isn't there a Philadelphia section on apartmenttherapy yet?!

posted by constanceanna on November 30th 2008 at 11:53am
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Wait, I thought we were supposed to get rid of all our manuals:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/organizing/just-say-no-to-owners-manuals-070601

posted by nashdp on November 30th 2008 at 3:50pm
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